Monday, May 23, 2011

Makeover for Dealey Plaza: Fundraising Begun

by B.J. AUSTIN / KERA

Volunteers are raising money to give the grassy knoll at Dealey Plaza a facelift before the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 2013.

Architect John Rollins worked on restoration of the fountain at Dealey Plaza a couple of years ago. He says there is still a lot of repair work to be done at the famous site because of years of neglect. At a City Council committee meeting, he talked about the condition of the concrete walkways and overhead structures -- or pergolas -- that sit atop the grassy knoll.

”Much of the paint has peeled,“ Rollins said. “The concrete has spawled and continues to deteriorate. Virtually all of the sealants applied at the joints of the sections of the concrete have completely failed allowing moisture not only to attack the surface but to penetrate deeply into this construction.”

Judith Segura heads the volunteer fundraising effort. She says Dealey Plaza is one of the most recognized sites in the world because of its historic importance. She says its condition shocks visitors and reflects badly on the city.

”This is how they interpret how we care about Dealey Plaza,” Segura said. “We feel that it's hardly a display of the civic pride that we have for our city parks - particularly this important National Historic Landmark site.”

Segura says the planned repairs will cost about two million dollars. The city is expected to pay some of that. She says the goal is to finish the work in time for crowds expected to come to the site to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination.